Missing a word: justice
EDITOR: Last Saturday the Living Peace Wall in Sebastopol celebrated its 7th anniversary, and the event in the plaza was very well attended. It’s a good idea that has grown since its inception with new names being added each year, including those of local activists. Back when it started, I approached Michael Gillotti, who has been the creator of this visionary project, with the idea of adding just one word to make the concept more attainable. And that is the word “justice.” Because without justice on this planet there will simply be no peace … ever. This was my first year to attend the ceremony placing new names on the wall because two friends and comrades were being honored and both are strong justice activists. Delores Huerta of the United Farm Workers and Therese Mughannom of the local Palestine solidarity movement are both doing the work that I think of when I talk about creating Justice.
So I was thrilled to support them but still felt the concept wasn’t complete. We can “dance for peace,” “vigil for peace” or any other manifestation of that idea, but they are empty concepts without acknowledging the only road that leads to that goal. As many over the years have stressed “If you want peace, work for justice” But for many well meaning folks, that concept does not seem important or necessary and that is a clear reflection of white privilege and an unexamined attitude about the need for justice.
While I was attending Saturday’s event I also learned that there is a nickname for Sebastopol called Peace Town. They even have t-shirts! And once again I could see that the intent was right (and needed) but again, a limited statement. So I’d like to get a discussion going in this local paper about the idea of changing the name of this important project to the Living Peace Through Justice wall. The banners would have to be redone but why not complete the thought re: how to achieve this worthy goal? Why not make just a small change that reflects how to create a much-needed peace on earth.
Mary Moore
Camp Meeker
From the comments section
In response to the article “PDHCD formulates bankruptcy exit strategy”:
It is really criminal that former employees are treated this way. The board of directors made very poor decisions and continues on that path. At the Sept. 5th bankruptcy hearing, one committee legal counsel stated “Four years of parcel tax revenues was completely squandered on a venture that did not succeed.” Fast forward to today, and you will see that AAMG predicts an additional $4.7 million in debt by March 2019. That is additional debt that the District is responsible for, folks! Just to be clear, Executive Director Brogan, the current board majority and the District legal counsel thinks that this is OK. I can assure you that the District bankruptcy counsel is going to have a difficult time creating a plan to repay employees and vendors with the existing debt and bond payments. I wish you luck Sarina.
Gary Harris
Forestville
